Day 15: Change in real estate AGAIN!

Mom and Dad with their Breast Cancer 3-Day Victory Shirt

Day 15: She's moving AGAIN!

Earlier I told you that mom had moved out of ICU onto the 6th floor. Well...silly me, she's well enough to move into the rehab center! Tomorrow I bet you I'll get a call from dad saying she got up from her wheelchair and started dancing...

 

She's had a great day today. She was very busy chatting away about the horses, bills and Colorado.  Today was a big day as dad was able to feed her mashed potatoes and applesauce. Tomorrow is another big day...it's Pasta Day at 1pm! 

But, mom does need help with something very special. She has a horse that is due mid March. We need to think of some very creative names that can symbolize this experience in her life. Can you help brainstorm names with us? I don't know much about horses but one of the horses has the name "Vital Sign" already in their name. Perhaps we can spin it off of that? Or, something hospital related? We're very excited to hear what you all suggest!

Have a great evening!

Day 15: Change in real estate

This is mom, dad and Ms. Patti Price at their fundraiser for the Breast Cancer 3-Day

Day 15: Mom is out of ICU and on the 6th Floor! Dad just said that she was moved early this morning to the 6th floor which means GOODBYE ICU!

We had met with the physical therapists prior to her surgery and they gave us various movements to practice with mom. More specifically, we bought bright orange plastic cones and had her grab them and move them from left to right. After surgery we hadn't done anything with physical therapy as we didn't want to push anything that might be frustrating as we wanted her to rest. 

Today, Dad just said that out of the blue, mom grabbed the Styrofoam  cup of water, brought it to her lips and sipped it out of a straw. Uh, hello...? Really? 

We hate to sound like a broken record here but... the surgeon made it very clear that her "quality" of life post surgery would be limited to a home, a ventilator and a feeding tube. (We probably didn't share that with you prior but now we can). When we have days like today we are reminded of the many mysteries that surround us and the powerful ability of our bodies to heal.

Day 14: ICU Update

Mom and Dad at the Breast Cancer 3-Day in San Diego last November. 

Their team was the TRR: "Talking Rock Raquettes". 

Each day they walked 20 miles over a three day period. 

This was moms 3 time walking and definitely an event she was very proud to participate in.

Day 14: Wow...is it really day 14? I just talked to Dad who said the neurologist was in this morning and he continues to be very impressed. They are going to try to get some pudding or custard into mom and let her practice swallowing more. Once this is accomplished, they might, just might...get her out of ICU! I know, I know...wipe the tears away but this could make for another incredible milestone for mom. She is a bit nervous about moving rooms but dad and family continue to reassure her.

Today she is very chatty and talking a lot. She is very concerned about Dad staying on top of some bills and is reminding him of what is due. Can you believe that? Most of us can't even remember when bills are due let alone after recovering from brain surgery.

She is also very excited about her new baby horse that is to drop in another month or so. She is trying to think of something very creative to symbolize this new chapter in her life...any suggestions?

Thank you to those that send pictures to me to post and please continue to send them!

Day 13: ICU update

Day 13: So far, today is another great day. Doses of her medication are slowly reducing, fewer tubes, resting better and best part...mom is continuing to swallow and enjoys drinking room temperature water. Overall feistiness (sp?) improving!

We're all being kicked out from 3-5pm so she has mandatory quiet time. :) We all just want to be with her, even just to watch her sleep.

Now with Boise are Don, Clay (son), Stacy (daughter), Jo and Layne (sisters from Oregon).

Thank you for your continued prayers as our special Boise continues to defy the odds and show us all that miracles can happen. 

Day 12: 6:45pm update

Day 12: Some incredible milestones today...

She sat up twice, saw the occupational therapist twice, cardiologist said her heart was back to normal and the doctors to be very optimistic. All the tests were positive and mom continues to be the sweetest, kindest, loving patient on ICU.

She says thank you and please to every doctor, thanks the nurses when they help her and wants us to remind her of everyone that is helping her. Another perfect example...I was rubbing her hand today and I thought for sure she had fallen asleep. I closed my eyes for a split second and she said, "you  must b etired, here (patted her hand on the bed) put your head down, I'll share with you". Leave it to Boise to be so nurturing and loving when SHE is in the hospital.

She's also had an interesting thought of wanting to write a book about experiencing a stroke from the inside out. We'll see...

Day12: ICU Update

Day 12: The Dr. just saw mom and continues to be optimistic. He's impressed with her verbal and motor skills and he's hoping the speech therapist can come in today to see if she can swallow. Fingers crossed!

Day 11: 7:30m update

Don and Boise...somewhere

Day 11: Boise had a great day of rest. She slept, slept and slept. They removed her bandages today and she is gingerly touching her head trying to make sense of it all. She hasn't asked anything about her head and we haven't offered unsolicited information. All we can say is that it will catch your breath.

You all have seen people with impressive scars on their heads and you think, wow...I wonder what happened. I will tell you mom was getting ready to go for a trail ride a week ago Tuesday. She was getting ready to ride China, her beloved horse of many years and poof...now she has a remarkable battle wound reminding us life is short. In a matter of minutes not just one life changed but many lifes around her. We are reminded truly of what is important. It is not the stuff we have but the people we love. Let this be a gentle reminder to all that are reading this to embrace your loved ones, kiss them over and over. Don't just tell them you love them but show them you love them.

Just to be able to touch Boise, massage her legs, put a washcloth on her forehead, love her, nurture her, soothe her and look at her are now moments in our day that we cherish and covet. We've even coined the term, "MH'er"...which stands for Mom Hogger!

Now go....find someone to hug and kiss. Go on...

Day 11: ICU update

Christmas 2011 in Colorado

Day 11: 12pm update

Late last night Clay and I came back to the hospital to witness a wonderful moment! Mom has proved that she could breath on her own and they removed the ventilator! Out, gone, finito. The tube in moms throat was driving her crazy and at last....gone!

I'm sure mom was screaming, F-R-E-E-D-O-M! This morning she has been in a deep sleep, now completely breathing without any help. (even the nasal canula is out and she is breathing on room air)! She was been sharing the following words, "so much pain, want to go home, I love you, this will cost a fortune,  I will not give up".

When we tell her how far she has come, she doesn't quite believe it and shakes her head in the "no" direction. She doesn't comprehend the magnitude of what she has experience but we remind her frequently of her huge milestones. 

This afternoon she will begin speech and occupational therapy! She's thirsty and she's anxious to prove to the speech therapist that she can swallow! 

Gotta go..Mom is telling me to rub her legs!

Day 9: ICU update

This is a picture of mom and dad's dog Teddy. 

Looks like he praying to!

(Thank you Chris and Jim)

Day 9: Afternoon update

Mom is finally calm and quieting down. All the nurses and doctors are in and out every 15 minutes working their magic. 

Today we're making lots of friends...how you ask? We've bribed the nurses with a plate full of cookies. Now everyone wants to say hello and check in on Boise. (someone recommended we do that...good recommendation).

 

My mom is a sugar hound, just ask her in a few more months...she's been known to polish off a plate full of brownies and a tube full of frosting all by herself. Sad but oh so true.

Day 10: ICU update

 Mom is doing Izzy's hair and 

putting on some of her earrings.

Well folks...we've decided that drugs and alcohol and are so passe...if you need a rush come to the ICU! This is an action packed floor full of mystery and wonder. Lots of highs, lots of lows beeps and funny noises. Smells, interesting people, etc.


This morning we were called at 4:45am and told that mom was having some heart issues. Along with that bad news...we were given yet another glimpse of mystery and wonder when mom was writing somewhat legibly. What you say...did I read that right....yes...mom is writing.


What is so remarkable about this piece is late last night she was desperate to communicate. I would put the pen in her hand and put the white board close and she would scribble just the up and down motion creating simple vertical and horizontal lines. We were interpreting her hand signs, (waving hello, waiving to signal "come closer", thumbs up, motioning to write). We were creating our own language and prepared to just figure it out. 


This morning a white board was place in front of her and we asked simple questions..are you in pain, are you hot, etc. She was able to write on the board exactly what she needs.


I hate to write this so bluntly but two days ago the doctor was talking to us about what her "wishes" were. With that said, you can appreciate our total wonder and amazement that she's even communicating.


Doctor was just in and he continues to be optimistic. We hope today or tomorrow the ventilator will be removed and she can learn to breath on her own. Based on what we see today, we too are incredibly optimistic.

Again...who needs drugs or alcohol?

Day 9: Update

This is MeeMee and Izzy from a summer trip to Colorado

Day 9: Update 

Sorry for the later post today but we thought we'd bottle up all the good news for one gigantic post!

The neurosurgeon just came in for a second day follow up and I'm not kidding when I write this...he walked in and said "hello Boise"...guess who waved BACK AT HIM! Yes, we all have tears in our eyes in disbelief, amazement and in total gratitude. As you may recall the doctor painted a very different outcome post surgery and we are beyong The doctor was quite surprised at her behavior.

We're hoping that soon she can breath on her own which will be a wonderful milestone to hit!

With Boise now are Don, Clay (son), Stacy (daughter) and Boise's sister Jo Jo.

For some added Wednesday fun, we thought we'd share some things about Boise that we bet you didn't know:

1. In college, she was the SAE sweetheart

2. When Boise was in college, she was a student teacher and worked with kids who had down syndrome. She apparently love it

2. When she moved to California to pursue a teaching career, her Louisiana accent was considered a "speech impediment" and wasn't allowed to teach. So, instead, she became a model!

3. A comment directly from her sister Jo Jo...when she was little Boise was the sweetest, most loving sister

On that note, if you know something about Boise and want to share it...please feel free. To do this, you can post a new comment by clicking on "Comment" .

Day 8: Day of Incredible Extremes!

Well, it's 8:08pm and I'm about to write what I wasn't expecting to write this morning.

What a day of extremes! From the most horribly low to the most exhillerating high we are so happy to tell you all good news...

When we met the neurosurgeon for the first time this morning, he said in no uncertain terms that surgery was absolutly mandatory now. We could not wait, it was a matter of saving Boise's life.

Surgey began and two hours later when we met the surgeon, he said the surgery "technically" went very well. In the same breath, the surgeon painted a very grim picture of what he expected the outcome to be. He said there was limited brain function and now we are simply waiting "day to day" to see any outcome.

Later this evening, both the neurosurgeon and the neurologist met with us and told us that she might well regain consciousness but it was guarded. About 6pm this evening, we met again with the neurosurgeon and he was "guardedly optimistic". Boise was responding to verbal commands, moving her eyes, moving her right hand and leg and at one point we swear she waived.

A day like to today only shows not to give up hope, keep a positive attitude and thank everyone who thinking good things for Boise.

Indeed another beautiful day...

Day 8: Surgery

Pretend there is a picture of mom and dad right here...

I'm on Dad's computer and we all know he still believes in carbon paper.

No suprise he doesn't have pictures! :)

Day 8: Seeing a beautiful sunrise this morning, we felt very encouraged that today would be a great day. And, it is a great day. Mom is alive hopefully dreaming some wonderful dreams.

About 5 hours ago we were notified that moms condition has worsened and required immediate surgery.

This was a life saving surgery and we are grateful to the surgical team.

Mom is alive and that is a beautiful thing.

Day 8: ICU

This is a picture of MeeMee, Poppy and Izzy hiking in Colorado

Day 8: The nurse said she slept most of the night and will go for another CAT scan this morning. Her labs are showing signs of improvement.

Thank you all again for your positive thoughts and well wishes...they're working!

Day 7: Snapping fingers!

This is MeeMee, Poppy and Izzy at the Polar Express in Arizona. 

You can't tell from the picture but MeeMee bought matching pajamas for everyone and created a wonderful family tradition.

Day 7: 6pm update

Boise is settled in and slept most of the day. She has a busy day tomorrow with a visit from the speech therapist to prove to her she can swallow. She's very excited to sit up for her and show her she's hit this milestone.

Inspirational moment:
Stacy was rubbing her head this afternoon telling her that Dad said, she could literally have anything and do anything she wanted. He'd buy her 10 new pairs of shoes a day, travel wherever she wanted...all she had to do was snap her fingers.

Wouldn't you know it..mom lifted her right hand started snapping!

Day 7: ICU

True story:

Boise is showing Izzy the Nordstroms shoe website. 

They're playing a game of, "which one do you like".

Day 7: ICU    

We spoke with a new Doctor who is also optimistic and reassured us she is right where he expects her to be. We'll take it!

Tip for the day:
Go drink a glass of water and as you drink it, visualize Boise's thirst going away.

Izzy's well wishes

Day 6: 1pm update

1:00pm: Don just spoke with the DR who is very optimistic. He said that now it's just a matter of a few days before she is to be moved. All the signs indicate she is improving, the swelling in her brain has stabilized, the bleeding has stopped and she's responding to all treatments.

Forgive the next post with spelling errors...we'll be having an adult beverage.

Day 6: Still in ICU

Thank you all for taking the time to read about your friend, Boise Taylor. We figured creating a blog would be a good idea to keep you all informed and posted regarding her condition and frame of mind. 

This is day 6 of Boise's Great Adventure!

Boise is showing great signs of improvement and in fact, the Doctor said this morning that she is the best patient on ICU! She is still very lethargic but is beginning to wake by herself more and more (which is what the Dr. wants to see).  Although he hasn't provided a date, our "gut" Dr. instincts say she'll be onto her next "adventure" (a different floor) by Wednesday.


Some fun news: The medicine that Boise is on makes her quite parched. All she asks for is 7-UP and water. Unfortunately, we cannot give this to her as it poses a few risks with her lungs. However, we can smirk a bit and joke that mom has two time frames, "NOW and RIGHT NOW"!

We're amazed at her memory and ability to communicate. For instance, yesterday Don was crafting an email to friends in Talking Rock...as he was trying to find the words, Boise inserted her two cents worth and tried to write it for him. 


We're waiting for three specific things to happen:
1. She must open her left eye
2. She must be able to swallow
3. She has to become more coherent


All of the above are caused from pressure to the brain which are diminishing as we write. When these things occur, we will be able to leave ICU. 


At the hospital with Boise are Don and Stacy. Clay (their son) left early this morning.

Again, we really appreciate everyone's kind wishes and thoughts! Keep a gin an tonic at the ready...

Beauty tip: Looking for more radiant and glowing skin? Go to the ER and you too will be the envy of every woman.